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No-Bake Date Bars

No-bake date bars are chewy, nutty treats made by blending sticky dates with toasted oats and crunchy nuts, then pressing the mixture into a pan to set. They come together without any oven, resulting in a moist, dense texture with a satisfying bite. The bars are perfect for a quick, nourishing snack with a rustic appearance and rich aroma.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pitted dates soaked in warm water for 10 minutes if dry
  • 1.5 cups rolled oats toasted for extra flavor
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts almonds or walnuts preferred
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt optional, enhances flavor
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for a vegan version
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, deepens sweetness

Equipment

  • Baking pan
  • Spatula or pressing tool
  • Sharp knife
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Food processor

Method
 

  1. Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the soaked dates until they form a sticky, slightly chunky paste. This may take about 30 seconds to a minute, and you’ll hear a faint scraping sound as the dates blend.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, chopped nuts, and sea salt. Stir with a spoon to evenly distribute the ingredients and enhance the toasty aroma.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey and vanilla extract, gently stirring until the mixture is smooth and fragrant, about 2 minutes. You’ll notice a slight bubbling and a sweet aroma filling the kitchen.
  5. Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients, then add the date paste. Use a spatula to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the sticky mixture coats all the dry ingredients evenly. It should become thick and sticky, with a rich aroma of honey and toasted oats.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Using the back of a spatula or your fingers, press firmly and evenly into the pan, about 1 inch thick. The surface should be smooth and compact, with a satisfying resistance when pressed.
  7. Place the pan in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours until the mixture is firm and set. You’ll hear a slight crackling as it cools and the mixture tightens.
  8. Once cooled and firm, lift the entire block out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 8 to 10 bars or squares with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
  9. Serve the bars immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to a week, with a chewy, moist texture and a deliciously nutty aroma.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top before chilling. Toast the oats beforehand for a richer, nuttier aroma. Feel free to add dried fruit or cacao nibs for variation.